Bra Sister Sizes - Is Nothing About Bras Straightforward?
If you've never heard of sister sizing, it just means that you can fit into more than just one bra size. In fact, "What's my sister size" is a top Google search for women when they're bra shopping, so we knew we needed to talk about it, but we've been hesitant because there's actually some debate around the idea of sister sizing.
True Sizing vs. A Myth
Depending on who you ask, sister sizing is either the one true truth or a total lie. Part of our mission is to make bra shopping easy, so we got down to the bottom of things for you with the head of Natori Intimates Fit Specialist team and a former Nordstrom Intimates Fit Specialist, Danielle Staley. Danielle explains why some fitters love sister sizing and some do not.
JJ: Thank you Danielle for meeting with me today, how are you?
DS: I’m great, thank you!
JJ: Before we get into this debate about bra sister sizing, can you tell us a bit about your background and what makes you an authority on the subject of bra fitting and bra sizing?
DS: Of course! I worked for Nordstrom for 10 years, starting off as a Lingerie sales associate and working my way up to two different regional positions in Lingerie. I ended my career with Nordstrom as a Store Manager, always missing my Lingerie roots and still finding myself over in Lingerie, ensuring that customers were being taken care of and finding what they needed. For the last 7 years now, I have been managing the Fit Coordinator team with Natori and Skarlett Blue. Working for a brand that I love and helping women feel good everyday is what makes this work so special - And finding the perfect fit!
JJ: We worked with other members of Natori Intimates to create bra fitting videos to make it easier to measure yourself at home. Can you talk a little bit about the importance of measuring yourself or getting measured?
DS: You get an annual check up. You go to the dentist at least once a year for a cleaning. You have regular eye exams. Getting measured yearly to check your size and really take an assessment on how your current bras are truly fitting is important. Not just for your breast health but your overall body health. Being in a well-fitting supportive bra, can help with your posture, spine alignment etc. So treating yourself to new bra’s and getting measured yearly should be considered your annual ‘self-care’ checkups!
JJ: We think of bra fittings as part of a shopping experience, but it's really part of an annual physical! What happens when I measure myself or I get measured by a bra fit specialist and for one reason or another, the bra still isn’t fitting? Why isn’t it fitting? What went wrong? Why is this so hard?!?
DS: Bra fitting is an art and a science. You can’t have one without the other. That being said, you can measure yourself, or be told from a bra fit specialist that you are this certain size, but some styles in the same size are cut differently in the cups, or the fabrics could run a bit firmer or loser for your breast shape. It’s important to take a breath and know that not all bra’s will fit the same. Furthermore, sometimes hormones can effect your breast size, so you might see them bigger at certain points of the month.
JJ: Oh the human body and the joy of hormones. OK, so it’s actually a lot like shopping for jeans, the best thing is to just try things on.
DS: Exactly June! I think I have like 3 different sizes currently in my jean drawer, and they all fit but they also each do something a little different. Skinny jeans have more stretch so you can maybe go down a size, while high waisted straight legs without stretch might mean going up a size or two. Think about bras in the same way. Each bra provides a different service for your breast tissue, all the while supporting you and keeping you happy. Don't fixate on the numbers, just focus on the fit.
JJ: OK, let’s get into the tea, why doesn’t Nordstrom like to call it Sister Sizing?
DS: Truthfully, as a bra fitter for many years and working with so many different bodies over the years, it is best to wear the size you are sized in. Now, this is in a perfect world. If you are loving a certain style and it’s not fitting just right, this is when you can adjust accordingly. You can size up in the band if it is feeling too tight (and don’t forget to drop down in the cup) OR you can size down in the band if its feeling too roomy (and don’t forget to go up in the cup). Nordstrom isn't calling it bra sister sizing because they are focused on fitting you into the size you measured for. It's important to focus on how the bra fits you. The band should feel snug like a hug. The center gore should lay flat. Your breast tissue should be comfortably covered by the cups and the straps shouldn't dig into your shoulders. Start with the size you measured for and adjust accordingly based on how it fits. If the bra band is too tight, go up a band size and down a cup size, do the opposite if the cups are too small but the band fits well.
JJ: Doing a bra fitting can be a very vulnerable experience, especially if you’re having it done by someone else. You’re standing there topless in front of stranger. What do you and your team do to help people feel more comfortable?
DS: I think the most important thing is to connect with the customer, let them know they are not alone in this bra adventure- as we have ALL been there! This can be a very difficult experience for many people getting fit for a bra, we all have things that we are going through, and to accept the help from someone else to teach you how your bra should fit or to pick out a bra wardrobe does take some courage. What I love though is helping those customers who won’t let me in the fitting room at first and trying to get them sized properly through just asking the right questions, and after a few minutes they usually let me in the room and it’s like the pretty women moment.
JJ: How important is it to get fitted for a bra and how often should you have it done?
DS: As I mentioned prior, this should be a yearly ‘self-care’ checkup. Unless something major has happened in your life, like a surgery or major weight loss. 10 lbs here and there won’t necessarily affect your bra wardrobe, but 20-30 lbs plus will, and you should schedule an appointment at your local department store to get taken care of by an expert or measure yourself at home.
JJ: We’ve covered a lot of ground today and I certainly feel better informed on the subject, but is there anything else you want LL readers to know?
DS: Give yourself some grace. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sea of bra’s that are available out there. Shopping for bra’s should be fun and easy, and our in-store experts are there to help find you the best lingerie wardrobe for your breast tissue type and shape!
JJ: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us about bra sizing, what to look for when bra shopping and helping us to bust myths. We hope you’ll come back!